OverNorth Expands Search Staff

January 19, 2018 – Executive search firm OverNorth has appointed David L. Hansen as principal for its manufacturing, private equity and business services search practices.

“Dave represents a strategic hire for our firm and we’re all very excited to have him join the OverNorth team,” said partner Renato T. Amador. “His extensive manufacturing sector experience extends our capabilities in the industrial technology and supply chain sectors. In addition, his strong relationships in the private equity community complement OverNorth’s work for dynamic and growing companies.”

With over 18 years of experience in senior-level executive search, Mr. Hansen has expertise in identifying and recruiting difference-making executives for his client companies. His focus has been on vice president to C-level leaders, where he has helped his clients recruit talent that have allowed them to grow, enter new markets and increase profits.

Previous Experience

Most of Mr. Hansen’s previous search experience was with A.T. Kearney Executive Search where he served in the firm’s industrial markets practice. In that capacity, he forged strong consultative relationships with clients in the manufacturing and business services sectors. Mr. Hansen also held leadership roles in senior executive recruiting for a leading Chicago-based private equity firm and a publicly-held management consulting firm.

OverNorth offers customized, senior-level, executive recruiting services to a broad range of companies, from venture-backed start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. The firm has experience in all of the major functional areas of business, and deep industry expertise in financial services, business & professional services, multi-channel marketing, private-sector education, transportation & logistics, and private equity-backed portfolio companies.

Mr. Hansen recently sat down with Hunt Scanlon Media and discussed his new role and how he will utilize his past experience in his new job.

Dave, how have your past positions prepared you for your current position at OverNorth?

Having gained over 18 years of experience in senior-level executive recruiting I’ve learned the importance of doing solid search execution and in developing effective relationships with clients. I’ve also gained valuable insights from having held recruiting leadership roles on “the client side” within a leading private equity firm in Chicago and a global management consulting firm. I know how important credibility is to a professional services relationship, like retained executive search, and having experienced the great examples and less than good examples of that provides strong guidance to how I serve clients. Clients place high value on receiving on-target candidates who fit their cultures and on strong communication between them and their search partner. Knowing that the entire OverNorth team holds similar values in serving its clients and interacting with candidates was a major reason why I was so attracted to the firm.

“Clients place high value on receiving on-target candidates who fit their cultures and strong communication between them and search partner.”

Explain what you’ll be doing in your current role within the firm.

I will be splitting my time between generating new business for the firm and managing search engagements for our clients. While Chicago is a primary focus for OverNorth and me, I’m reaching out across the country to former and potential clients in manufacturing, private equity, and business services sectors.

Tell us about the current executive recruiting climate within the manufacturing, private equity and business services sector?

We see the executive recruiting climate as very positive within all three sectors. Manufacturing activity continues its growth, which is spurring demand for executives to help companies lead the field in their industries. Within private equity, the fundraising push and the high volume of “dry powder” has sparked hiring demand. While the business services sector, especially within professional services, continues to increase its senior executive hiring.

Do you see aggressive hiring within these sectors?

I’m not certain that I’d characterize it as aggressive hiring. The economy has steadily improved and it’s refreshing to see an uptick in manufacturing hiring.

Can you share with us the types of clients you work with and some positions you have filled during your career?